Is Continuous Cycler Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Good For You?

Is Continuous Cycler Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Good For You?
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Overview

Kidney failure may not be an outright fatal condition, but it can definitely be a terrible inconvenience to the patient and his family. Once the kidneys cannot fulfill its function of cleaning the blood, then the wastes, minerals, and excess fluids will build up. In effect, the health and immunity of the body is compromised. When this happens, treatment like the continuous cycler assisted peritoneal dialysis becomes imperative.

Treatment Options

It used to be that the cure for kidney failure required invasive and dangerous surgeries. But since 1980s, the peritoneal dialysis – more popularly known as PD – continues to be a cost-effective, practical, and accessible treatment option. There is no need for scheduled dialysis sessions, because PD allows the flexibility and convenience of being performed wherever the patient may be located.

How It Works

When undergoing the PD treatment, a critical component is a catheter – a soft tube that will fill the abdomen with cleansing liquid, known as the dialysis solution. This allows the extra fluid as well as waste products to be removed from your blood and into the said liquid.

So what comprises the dialysis solution? This contains dextrose, a sugar that can pull the extra fluid and wastes into one’s abdominal cavity. Once the dialysis solution becomes drained, then these harmful materials will then leave the body. This process is called an exchange, usually taking around 30 up to 40 minutes. Dwell time refers to the period when the dialysis solution floats around the abdomen. The schedule of exchanges is commonly four times a day, including a dwell time that lasts from 4 to 6 hours.

PD Kinds: CCPD

There are different kinds of PD treatment, but one of the more popular is the continuous cycler assisted peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). Unlike its manual version called the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, the CCPD utilizes a cycler – the machine responsible for filling and draining the abdomen, even when at sleep. The CCPD is also known as the automated peritoneal dialysis.

However, both PD treatments require that a catheter be inserted into the stomach wall, which is considered as a minor kind of surgical procedure for kidney disease. This should be accomplished way before the start of dialysis, giving ample time for scar tissues to develop and hold the catheter in place. This is often put near the navel or belly button.

Safety Reminder

Even with the advent of technologies that makes healthcare and patient care easier while not sacrificing results, teamwork and safety always trump machines and the most up-to-date gadgets. For instance, the independence afforded by the CCPD does not give the excuse to stop working with one’s nephrologists, nurse, dialysis technician, and even the dietician. Bear in mind that these devices still rely on the wisdom and ability of its users, so continue to work closely with your team.

More important is the involvement of your immediate family. Let them know the details of the PD method you are using. Update them about your treatment, so that you will have a health care team that you can count on anytime.

References:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Kwa Zulu Natal Kidney Association